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How to Make Authentic Bavarian Leberkäse with Spicy Mustard and Soft Pretzel

Discover the rich flavors of Bavaria with this authentic Leberkäse recipe. This hearty meat loaf is paired with zesty mustard and a traditional soft pretzel, creating a satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. Learn how to prepare this German delicacy at home with our easy-to-follow recipe.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

1 hour 15 minutes

Servings

6

Difficulty

Intermediate

Simple Summary

Leberkäse with Mustard and Pretzel is a classic Bavarian dish featuring a savory meat loaf served with tangy mustard and a soft pretzel, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb bacon, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely minced
  • 1 cup ice-cold water
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground mace
  • 1/4 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 4 large soft pretzels
  • 1/2 cup spicy German mustard
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, and chopped bacon. Mix well.

  3. Add the minced onion, ice-cold water, salt, white pepper, mace, and coriander to the meat mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

  4. Gradually add the milk while continuing to mix. The mixture should become smooth and slightly sticky.

  5. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter.

  6. Transfer the meat mixture to the loaf pan, pressing it down firmly to remove any air pockets.

  7. Smooth the top with a spatula and brush with melted butter.

  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

  10. While the Leberkäse is resting, warm the pretzels according to package instructions.

  11. Slice the Leberkäse into 1/2 inch thick slices.

  12. Serve each slice of Leberkäse with a warm pretzel and a generous dollop of spicy German mustard on the side.

Chef's Notes

  • For the best texture, make sure all ingredients are very cold before mixing.
  • You can substitute ground veal for half of the beef for a more traditional flavor.
  • If you can't find German mustard, a good quality whole grain mustard works well too.
  • Leftover Leberkäse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's delicious cold or reheated.
  • For a crispier top, brush the loaf with an egg wash before baking.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (excluding pretzel): Approximately 450 calories, 35g protein, 30g fat, 2g carbohydrates. Rich in vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. High in protein and moderate in fat, making it a satisfying meal option.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of sauerkraut or German potato salad for a complete Bavarian meal.
  • Pair with a cold German lager or wheat beer for an authentic experience.
  • For a lighter option, serve slices of Leberkäse on a bed of mixed greens with a vinaigrette dressing.
  • Leftover slices make excellent sandwiches when served on crusty rolls with additional mustard and pickles.